Certificate Programs

Certificate of Art (CA) programs offer part-term flexible (in-person/remote) options in six- or eight-course formats. These programs are designed for beginning to advanced students to develop their skills and improve their practice for personal enrichment or future study. 

Program options include: 

• Core Curriculum:  students interested in pursuing art classes but unsure of their direction.
• Figure Studies:  ideal for adults seeking figure-based art instruction. 
• Drawing and Painting Online Studies:  designed for students who are new to art or seeking to improve their practice through online study.

Course Catalog

• Each Certificate of Art is composed of six to eight 30(+)-hour equivalent CE courses. Course requirements vary by Certificate–see program descriptions.   
• Students must enroll in their selected Certificate program and pay a nonrefundable application fee of $75.  Up to two previously-completed PAFA CE course may be accepted for transfer, upon review and approval by the CE Director.  Courses must have been completed within two years of the Certificate application date and must have been taken for credit to be applied.
• Courses must amount to 30 or more contact/content hours to fulfill Certificate requirements.  A limited number of non-credit 6-week/18(+)-hour Short Courses may be combined with electives to fulfill requirements, with Director's approval.
• Credit-bearing, 30(+)-hour courses must be taken for credit where available, which entails assessment for a grade based on attendance, participation, and quality of work.  Grading requirements vary by course/instructor.  Credits will appear on PAFA transcripts, available upon request.
• Approved short non-credit courses being combined to fulfill requirements must be submitted with a signed Verification of Satisfactory Completion by the instructor, confirming satisfactory attendance, participation, and quality of work.  
• Certificates may be completed within one year at a rate of two courses per semester/session (Fall, Spring, Summer Session 1, and Summer Session 2); however, students may complete the program at their own pace within a three-year limit.
• Students must complete their Certificate course of study within 3 years of their semester start date.  Resuming Certificate course requirements after this time limit will require re-enrollment into the program with application fee and evaluation of previously completed courses for transfer based on date of completion and satisfactory work.